Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma (pronunciation: /ˌkɒlɪstiːəˈtoʊmə/) is a non-cancerous growth that can develop in the middle ear behind the eardrum. This condition can be a birth defect (congenital), but it more commonly occurs as a complication of chronic ear infection.
Etymology
The term "Cholesteatoma" is derived from the Greek words "chole" meaning bile, "steat" meaning fat, and "oma" meaning tumor. Despite its name, a cholesteatoma is not a tumor and does not contain either bile or fat. It was named by the German pathologist Johannes Müller in 1838, who mistakenly believed the cysts to be filled with cholesterol crystals.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a cholesteatoma can vary, but common signs include:
- Hearing loss
- Ear discharge (often foul-smelling)
- Earache
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
- Vertigo (a sense of spinning)
Causes
Cholesteatoma can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Chronic Ear infection
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Sinusitis
- Allergies
Treatment
Treatment for cholesteatoma usually involves surgery to remove the growth. In some cases, long-term follow-up care may be needed to prevent recurrence.
Related Terms
- Otitis media: An infection or inflammation of the middle ear. This is a common cause of cholesteatoma.
- Mastoidectomy: A surgical procedure to remove diseased mastoid air cells. This can be part of the treatment for cholesteatoma.
- Tympanoplasty: A surgical operation to repair a hole in the eardrum. It may be performed in conjunction with a mastoidectomy to treat cholesteatoma.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cholesteatoma
- Wikipedia's article - Cholesteatoma
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